Nutritional supplement use in high school students

Abstract

During adolescence development of healthy eating behaviours is vital for establishing a healthy growth period. In fact, healthy eating is adequate and balanced consumption of food, without necessity of nutritional supplements. We intended to evaluate nutritional supplements, such as antioxidative substances like vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids.The study was conducted in 9 high schools in Bursa. The students enrolled attended to 9-12th classes. The study utilised a face to face interview method, a questionnaire was applied and some data were collected from the school registries. Among 953 middle and high school students 56.9% were female (n = 542), 43.1% were male (n = 411). The mean age was 15.74 +/- 1.27. Majority of the students were from the Marmara region (54.7%). 7% of the students were taking nutritional supplements. Gender, BMI, school success, presence of health problems, smoking and alcohol consumption were associated with nutritional supplement consumption.In the market many herbal products are sold and are being consumed without proven effects and without clear safety marjins. Overdosing side effects are not so uncommon. Detection of high school students using these supplements in our study may address need of regulations in selling and buying of these products.